The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, has stated that the unit intercepted goods with a duty paid value of N10.1bn and arrested 38 suspects within the last seven months.

The outgoing CAC of the unit, Muhammed Shuaibu, disclosed this on Wednesday during the handing-over ceremony held at the command in Ikeja, Lagos.

Earlier, in his valedictory speech, Shuaibu, who was recently promoted to the position of Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, highlighted the unit’s major successes during his seven-month tenure, which began on April 23, 2025.

He stated that the unit recorded a total of “476 interceptions, comprising 761 seized items with a total duty paid value of over N10.1bn. Some of the notable seizures listed included: 23,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 38 trailers), 98 used vehicles, 2,350 kilograms of cannabis sativa, and 1,820 jerry cans of premium motor spirit.”

Shuaibu added that other items seized within the period under review included 15 assorted rifles and 4,841 rounds of ammunition, two industrial drones, 25 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, and four cylinders of Russian-made explosives (each weighing 50kg), as well as the seizure of $30,000 and 110 CFA, totalling N31m, which has been secured as final forfeiture to the Federal Government.

He mentioned that the unit, within the review period, arrested 38 suspects and handed over eight containers of expired pharmaceutical products valued at N7.5bn to the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, among other items.

Beyond enforcement, Shuaibu stated that the unit recovered a total sum of N419m through demand notices issued on questionable declarations and undervaluations, ensuring compliance with import and export regulations.

He attributed the successes to the unwavering support of stakeholders and dedicated officers, urging them to extend the same level of cooperation to the new CAC.

“I am confident that the foundation we have built will continue to flourish. Our shared objective remains to sustain prudent stewardship and strengthen the fight against smuggling. To my successor, I extend heartfelt congratulations on your appointment. I wish you great success and have no doubt that your leadership will usher in new perspectives and further advancement in these pivotal roles,” he said.

In his acceptance speech, the new CAC, Gambo Aliyu, pledged to intensify intelligence-driven operations in the fight against smuggling and other forms of illicit trade that threaten national security and economic growth.

Aliyu expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for the opportunity to serve in the unit.

He also commended the outgoing Controller of the unit, Muhammed Shuaibu, who has been elevated to Assistant Comptroller General, for his outstanding service and achievements, and pledged to consolidate on them for greater success.

“I assure you that we will consolidate on these achievements for even greater successes. The FOU Zone A plays a critical role in enforcing compliance, suppressing smuggling, and safeguarding the economic integrity of our dear nation. I am aware of the enormous responsibilities that come with this position, especially within a zone as strategic, dynamic, and challenging as Lagos and its environment. However, I am confident that with the cooperation and professionalism of the gallant officers and men of this command, we will continue to fulfil this mandate diligently,” he said.

Aliyu outlined other key areas of focus that will guide the unit under his watch, including professional conduct and discipline among officers, stakeholders’ engagement, as well as capacity building and the welfare of officers.

“High standards of ethics, discipline and integrity, as well as accountability, will remain non-negotiable. Every officer must ensure that their actions reflect the core values of the service. We will deepen collaboration with sister agencies, community leaders, and the trading public to strengthen border security and facilitate lawful trade. The motivation and welfare of officers will be prioritised to ensure improved efficiency and operational readiness,” Aliyu stated.

The new CAC assured stakeholders and the trading public that justice, equity, and fairness will guide the unit’s actions at all times, adding that the unit’s operations under his watch would be underpinned by three cardinal objectives, including management change, compliance management, and reputation management.

Aliyu urged all officers and stakeholders to join hands with him in this new role, promising to operate an open-door policy.

Before his deployment to FOU Zone A, Aliyu served as Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, where he delivered an outstanding performance. His tenure was further marked by expanded inter-agency collaboration with relevant government agencies and others—efforts credited with tightening border security and disrupting cross-border criminal supply chains.